More than just games —

XBMC media manager coming to Ouya

Developers working to add video/audio playback to open-source game console.

When the Android-based Ouya was announced last month, founder Julie Uhrman said she wanted the system to be more than just a game console, and it now has support for apps like Twitch.TV and Vevo music streaming. The non-gaming options on the console seem set to increase, as the team behind the popular XBMC media manager have pledged to bring the program to the system.

XBMC started life as the Xbox Media Player, an open-source media player designed for Microsoft's original game console, but has since been ported to platforms ranging from Windows to iOS devices. The program indexes video and audio content on a device and provides an easy-to use browsing and playback interface for that content. It now serves as the core of derivative products like Boxee and Plex.

The Ouya version of XBMC will build on the development team's recent work on an Android version of the software, and comes in response to what the team calls "hundreds, if not thousands" of request for an Ouya port. Nearly a third of the members of the XBMC development team are Ouya backers, according to an announcement, and that team will have early access to Ouya prototypes to speed up their porting efforts.

"The conversation between our two teams is young, but talk is ongoing and positive," the XBMC group said in the announcement. "We look forward to providing more exciting news on this front as it develops."

In addition to its media player capabilities, the Linux and Windows version of XBMC provide a unified interface for running emulators and ROMs through the Advanced Launcher add-on. With Ouya's integrated controller and primary focus on game playing, a similar launcher seems destined to become a popular use for the console's version of XBMC.

Kyle Orland
Kyle is the Senior Gaming Editor at Ars Technica, specializing in video game hardware and software. He has journalism and computer science degrees from University of Maryland. He is based in the Washington, DC area. Emailkyle.orland@arstechnica.com//Twitter@KyleOrl

43 Reader Comments

Alright, now we're getting somewhere with this thing. If I can replace my WDTV Live with an XBMC extender that also plays crappy Android games and 20 year old ROMs, that might get me to open my wallet. That "word class controller" still looks horrendous though.

Call me crazy, but i could have sworn XBMC stood for Xbox Media Console, not Player. You know, because there's a C at the end instead of a P. And also because I kind of remember trying it out several times after reading about how Microsoft was getting all pissy about it.

Call me crazy, but i could have sworn XBMC stood for Xbox Media Console, not Player. You know, because there's a C at the end instead of a P. And also because I kind of remember trying it out several times after reading about how Microsoft was getting all pissy about it.

Call me crazy, but i could have sworn XBMC stood for Xbox Media Console, not Player. You know, because there's a C at the end instead of a P. And also because I kind of remember trying it out several times after reading about how Microsoft was getting all pissy about it.

The last time i checked out XBMC I was using it on Ubuntu and experimenting with it using ripped movies and music. It has a huge amount of potential as a sort of all-in-one living room application. I really liked it. It could really get a big boost if Ouya gets its game launchers integrated in a sane way.

I'd really like to see a far more powerful PC based living room box featuring XBMC and a Steam port where the Steam games could be launched right from the main XBMC menu. Add a couple of wireless controller options and I could reduce the number of devices connected to my TV down to 1+stereo.

Call me crazy, but i could have sworn XBMC stood for Xbox Media Console, not Player. You know, because there's a C at the end instead of a P. And also because I kind of remember trying it out several times after reading about how Microsoft was getting all pissy about it.

The name change actually went from Xbox Media Player, to Xbox Media Center, as the software gained capabilities on the original Xbox, then to XBMC as development for the original Xbox is no longer the focus of the project.

The last time i checked out XBMC I was using it on Ubuntu and experimenting with it using ripped movies and music. It has a huge amount of potential as a sort of all-in-one living room application. I really liked it. It could really get a big boost if Ouya gets its game launchers integrated in a sane way.

I'd really like to see a far more powerful PC based living room box featuring XBMC and a Steam port where the Steam games could be launched right from the main XBMC menu. Add a couple of wireless controller options and I could reduce the number of devices connected to my TV down to 1+stereo.

Huh. I wrote about exactly that scenario only a few days ago. It seriously would be pretty awesome for something like that to play out.

As an Ouya backer I coudn't be happier... Well, unless they also manage to get some IRdA support somewhere in there so I can then have a reason to dig up my old ViewSonic V35 PDA with Philips Pronto emulator from my mothball-filled trunk. I used to love the XBMP on my original Xbox. That program alone made modding an Xbox worthwhile.

I tried to use XBMC on my PC as well but somehow it just didn't appeal to me as much as VLC. I guess the PC being a multipurpose machine didn't work to its advantage. Also, having trouble configuring XBMC to work with my MCE remote might have had some effect in the matter. Hopefully now I will get to experience that original XBMP bliss again on a dedicated hardware.

I'd really like to see a far more powerful PC based living room box featuring XBMC and a Steam port where the Steam games could be launched right from the main XBMC menu. Add a couple of wireless controller options and I could reduce the number of devices connected to my TV down to 1+stereo.

Actually, already exists, although not really perfectly.. The Advanced Launcher app within XBMC can be used to launch direct Steam titles - only problem is that they need to be setup one at a time.

Steam also announced "big picture mode" where you'll be able to control steam with a controller. I already have a couple of wireless logitech controllers too, they're pretty nice (plus Xbox controllers work). Only downside is that Valve announced this in Feb 2011 and it's definitely on Valve-time, last month they were saying it's still coming.

The Ouya Kickstarter was just updated with this information saying how the Ouya team is supporting adding XBMC, along with TuneIn (Worldwide radio app) and a picture of the size of the console, which looks to be about rubix cube size.

"and comes in response to what the team calls 'hundreds, if not thousands'"

Sounds like the team's ability to count is about as loosey goosey as their promises.

Care to explain why they can't keep their promise? I don't understand why so many people want to see a good project fail. We are not buying a product on kickstarter, I can't call it a investment either. As a backer, I understand the risk. But it is a good idea worth spreading. Instead of throwing money into a companies stock, I am giving them money for a product down the line. If they fail, that is my choice to make. OUYA will definitely deliver their product, I am fine for $99 hackable multimedia box. I just can't say the same if they will success in the console market.

I actually may have to re-think getting one of these. At first the lack of any real support caused me to pause but with XBMC getting ported to it that's an animal of an entirely different color.

My big concern, and the one thing that would be a tipping point, is just how well it plays back video files with subtitles using either SSA or ASS formatted subtitles. If this lil box can play those back with the same level of support, if not greater, than a Boxee I'll buy one of these in a heartbeat.

But, for now, things are really starting to get interesting with this lil box. ^_^

I don't understand why so many people want to see a good project fail.

Because most folks simply want to be consumers, not creators or supporters. They don't want (or lack the mental capacity) to be part of the creative process. They want a product, not support a vision.

I understand they have no interest being part of a process. They don't need to condemn it. Just because they fail to see the value doesn't mean others see the same. Not supporting it is one thing, wanting it to fail is another. Oh well, maybe I am just dreaming a better world.

It was my understanding that you won't be able to use Google's Play store. I have an android phone and tablet, I'd hate to have to re-buy apps in another store to use them on my TV. I also fear that unless theirs a huge adoption rate, the amount of apps ported to Ouya's store may be low. I wish them the best, but I likely will end up with a Vizio Co-Star. Nowadays, my focus in my limited free time is media more than games, so I'm likely not in the target market anyhow.

The 10 years younger version of me that used to hack x-boxes (and used the original XBMP) is very excited for the open hard platform though.

I haven't seen this mentioned yet, maybe I haven't searched enough... Will this device include support for IR? If I can't integrate my Harmony remote it doesn't do me much good, the WAF goes to zero if she can't use the remote.

It was my understanding that you won't be able to use Google's Play store. I have an android phone and tablet, I'd hate to have to re-buy apps in another store to use them on my TV. I also fear that unless theirs a huge adoption rate, the amount of apps ported to Ouya's store may be low. I wish them the best, but I likely will end up with a Vizio Co-Star. Nowadays, my focus in my limited free time is media more than games, so I'm likely not in the target market anyhow.

The 10 years younger version of me that used to hack x-boxes (and used the original XBMP) is very excited for the open hard platform though.

My focus isn't on games either, but if this keeps on in the direction it appears to be heading, my media consumption may come principally from this device. Like you say, the open platform aspect appeals to me the most.

I haven't seen this mentioned yet, maybe I haven't searched enough... Will this device include support for IR? If I can't integrate my Harmony remote it doesn't do me much good, the WAF goes to zero if she can't use the remote.

I'd really like to see a far more powerful PC based living room box featuring XBMC and a Steam port where the Steam games could be launched right from the main XBMC menu. Add a couple of wireless controller options and I could reduce the number of devices connected to my TV down to 1+stereo.

Actually, already exists, although not really perfectly.. The Advanced Launcher app within XBMC can be used to launch direct Steam titles - only problem is that they need to be setup one at a time.

Steam also announced "big picture mode" where you'll be able to control steam with a controller. I already have a couple of wireless logitech controllers too, they're pretty nice (plus Xbox controllers work). Only downside is that Valve announced this in Feb 2011 and it's definitely on Valve-time, last month they were saying it's still coming.

I think you may have just planned my evening. This could be something awesome.

I haven't seen this mentioned yet, maybe I haven't searched enough... Will this device include support for IR? If I can't integrate my Harmony remote it doesn't do me much good, the WAF goes to zero if she can't use the remote.

I also just saw that Shadowrun Online (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/196 ... run-online) is planning to support OUYA. Hopefully the single player Shadowrun game (Shadowrun Returns) will also be on OUYA (they're supporting Android, and even though it's separate studios, they are collaborating to some extent,so it seems reasonably likely)

When I first saw OUYA, I was mostly interested in it as a bit of nice open hardware to tinker with, but it's starting to look pretty good as a gaming/entertainment platform.

I haven't seen this mentioned yet, maybe I haven't searched enough... Will this device include support for IR? If I can't integrate my Harmony remote it doesn't do me much good, the WAF goes to zero if she can't use the remote.

It was my understanding that you won't be able to use Google's Play store. I have an android phone and tablet, I'd hate to have to re-buy apps in another store to use them on my TV. I also fear that unless theirs a huge adoption rate, the amount of apps ported to Ouya's store may be low. I wish them the best, but I likely will end up with a Vizio Co-Star. Nowadays, my focus in my limited free time is media more than games, so I'm likely not in the target market anyhow.

The 10 years younger version of me that used to hack x-boxes (and used the original XBMP) is very excited for the open hard platform though.

My focus isn't on games either, but if this keeps on in the direction it appears to be heading, my media consumption may come principally from this device. Like you say, the open platform aspect appeals to me the most.

My impression is that you won't be able to easily install a competing app store. I like the open hardware platform, but dislike what I believe to be a much less open software platform. I love the fact that google allows me to install competing app stores. Open software is a must for me. I just don't have time for warranty breaking hacks these days.

My impression is that you won't be able to easily install a competing app store. I like the open hardware platform, but dislike what I believe to be a much less open software platform. I love the fact that google allows me to install competing app stores. Open software is a must for me. I just don't have time for warranty breaking hacks these days.

They explicitly state that rooting is supported and will not void your warranty, so I assume it will also be open software wise, I just can't see a company supporting rooting but not supporting alternative software installs, they would need to go out of there way to remove the ability to restrict outside sources. So I doubt that would be the case.

My impression is that you won't be able to easily install a competing app store. I like the open hardware platform, but dislike what I believe to be a much less open software platform. I love the fact that google allows me to install competing app stores. Open software is a must for me. I just don't have time for warranty breaking hacks these days.

They explicitly state that rooting is supported and will not void your warranty, so I assume it will also be open software wise, I just can't see a company supporting rooting but not supporting alternative software installs, they would need to go out of there way to remove the ability to restrict outside sources. So I doubt that would be the case.

Precisely. And on top of that, if you can root it, you can install alternative ROMs and tweak those ROMs to be modified/modifiable copies of the stock firmware. So, within days of release, count on there being Cyanogen mods for this thing, extending and improving everything it comes with. That also means side loading software, adding apps and drivers, etc. For those with phones and tablets, just run a backup of your apps and email the APKs to your Ouya (or use a USB memory card reader). There's no need to re-buy apps you already own.

With future versions of Android (already hidden away in Jelly Bean, in rudimentary form) offering multi-user support, also count on there being PC-like functionality added to this thing, as well as configurable user accounts for each family member. So, the box can entertain the kiddies during the day, and at night become a media/social networking center for Mom & Dad... Just add network attached storage and a DVR on the network...

My impression is that you won't be able to easily install a competing app store. I like the open hardware platform, but dislike what I believe to be a much less open software platform. I love the fact that google allows me to install competing app stores. Open software is a must for me. I just don't have time for warranty breaking hacks these days.

They explicitly state that rooting is supported and will not void your warranty, so I assume it will also be open software wise, I just can't see a company supporting rooting but not supporting alternative software installs, they would need to go out of there way to remove the ability to restrict outside sources. So I doubt that would be the case.

This is what I'm thinking as well. That they want people to hack the hardware leads me to believe that we'll likely have other app stores available.

I'm thinking that at this price and with the functionality already announced there is no reason why anyone with a HDMI TV-set would not own this device. Even as a pure media viewer/streamer, it it is almost impossible to beat. No matter what parts of the Gaming industry cries about looming piracy. With game prices being what it is on Mobile platforms I would think less people would be inclined to do any major hacking for piracy's sake, but more for added functionality. I just funded for one with extra controller. I'm jumping on this. It almost isn't even noticeable in my budget. And my main interest with it is as Media-platform. Games will be an added bonus.

As of note, XBMC is already supporting a number of Android devices (must have NEON support) including the Pivos XIOS DS. It works quite well (in Alpha/Beta status) playing everything I've thrown at it so far (including MKVs). At a cost of $119, it is pretty darn cheap.

The last time i checked out XBMC I was using it on Ubuntu and experimenting with it using ripped movies and music. It has a huge amount of potential as a sort of all-in-one living room application. I really liked it. It could really get a big boost if Ouya gets its game launchers integrated in a sane way.

I'd really like to see a far more powerful PC based living room box featuring XBMC and a Steam port where the Steam games could be launched right from the main XBMC menu. Add a couple of wireless controller options and I could reduce the number of devices connected to my TV down to 1+stereo.

Huh. I wrote about exactly that scenario only a few days ago. It seriously would be pretty awesome for something like that to play out.

Assuming the Steam Box is x86 based, I can't see why a reasonably stout Steam Box couldn't run Ouya's stuff in an Android x86 VM. More pressure for Intel to open source libhoudini? The only other issue would be a sufficiently optimized OpenGL passthrough implementation on the virtualization software. That portion would be pretty trivial on any powerful fixed platform. I could easily see Ouya making spare sales on the side selling a prebuilt and packaged VM for use on Steam Boxes and HTPCs if if the initial thrust was to demo Ouya before buying a console.

You know, it might be helpful to those of us familar with how video codecs work to know what exactly do you mean by "FULL MKV support"? MKV is just a container for many different video codecs and you can stuff things like DIVX, XVID, and even .H264 video inside of it. So saying "FULL MKV support" is like saying "I wanna a car that can run on ANYTHING including rainbows". ^_^